Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News SUMMER 2014 EDITION Volume 27 • Number 2

Seniorwww.seniorsoftball.com SoftballMORE THAN JUST A GAMENEWSAMERICA’S LARGEST CIRCULATED SENIOR SOFTBALL PUBLICATION Unraveling Your Social Security Options By Jack Sirard or so are highly hopeful of joining INSIDE: percent or more of their income Softball News Report them one day. Home renovations for aging from Social Security. ifty-nine million Ameri- How important is Social Baby Boomers. No doubt about it, the benefi ts cans – including tens of Security to the economic fabric of Page 16 program is massive by any mea- thousands of senior softball America? Consider the following: surement and no doubt far exceeds playersF nationwide— currently ■ Nine out of ten individuals income of the elderly. what its proponents expected receive Social Security benefi ts in age 65 and older receive Social ■ Among elderly Social Secu- when it was created back in 1935. one form or another. Security benefi ts. rity benefi ciaries, 52 percent of When you listen in on practi- On top of that another 250 ■ Social Security benefi ts rep- married couples and 74 percent cally any conversation about So- million to 300 million Americans resent about 38 percent of the of unmarried persons receive 50 Please See Page 20 PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4 INVESTING Planning? It’s a Understanding Your Why the First Year of Tips on What to Do — and How

Retirement Home Run Social Security Options Retirement Is So Costly to Give Back to Your Community PERMIT NO. 339

IN YOUR FUTURE Sacramento, CA U.S. POSTAGE PRSRT-STD PAID

INSIDE:

CAL CUP: First Time in SoCal; 76 Teams Compete Page 5 Timothy Sabin MIDWEST CHAMPIONSHIPS: Rain Shortens Tourney in Shawnee, Kansas A Unique Page 10 Quest: TEXAS STATE Photos by Senior Games Photos CHAMPIONSHIPS: Houston Sizzles To Umpire in The Sacramento Flash second baseman tags a 50 Shades of Gray runner during a close play in 50 AAA action. for Second Year Every State Page 16 ATLANTIC COAST By Ross McCulligan CHAMPIONSHIPS: 206 Teams 75 Teams from 8 States Softball News Report Vie in Virginia In 1997, fueled by his Page 17 love of sport and life, Tim- Battle in Reno NORTHWEST othy Sabin embarked on By Ross McCulligan CHAMPIONSHIPS: the adventure of a lifetime: Softball News Report Jim Sherman Memorial th Draws 43 Teams He resolved to travel the RENO – For the 27 con- Page 18 United States and umpire secutive year, Senior Softball- at least one game in each USA returned here for its second NORTHEAST the 50 states. CHAMPIONSHIPS: largest tournament of the year. Syracuse Tourney Sabin’s quest involved 206 teams made their way to the Grows 30 Percent something that few, if any, outskirts of the Sierra Nevada to Page 19 ever have attempted. Over compete for the spot as division the last 18 years Sabin, a champion.

Please See Page 9 Action was hot in the 50 Men's Majors, left, and the 50 Women's, right. Please See Page 12 2 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition

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V55660 $175.00 ea. ® 2013 Reebok Barrage Legend TRUMP AK-SS-375 34” • 26-30 oz. (NO WARRANTY) THE OFFICIAL BALL OF SENIOR SOFTBALL-USA! CALL FOR PRICING Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News 3 NewsBriefi ng CARL’S CORNER Film Captures Grit, Heart of Players By Carl Gustafson By Joseph Ruggiero Softball News Report Lack of Hitting Not DAYTON, Ohio – When Jennifer Why You Are Losing Taylor Clarke, local music photog- rapher, fi rst met Tim Gebard, local When you ask most players why singer/songwriter, she shared some their team lost a particular game, the photos she had taken of him during answer is often, “We just couldn’t hit.” one of his performances. Little did They go on to tell you their team they know how Clarke’s kind gesture usually hits the hide off the ball, add- ing, “I don’t know what happened, would act as a catalyst for a remark- just one of those days.” able creative opportunity. There are better reasons why a Clarke introduced Gebard, also a team doesn’t hit than a strange day Senior Softball player, to other local hexing the team. It usually has more musicians who bonded over music to do with the pitching and defense of and eventually one common desire: the winning team, along with bad base to make a documentary fi lm. Un- running on the losing team. sure of the subject of their fi lm, they Good defenses give you three outs found their inspiration when Gebard, Filming for the documentary "The Fall League" began in the 2013. only, and no free bases, while most while talking about the recreational defenses allow four or fi ve outs per inning and a free base or two. Good Senior Softball league he played in, adventure for Clarke, Gebard and a women that the documentary follows defense isn’t dependent upon spec- remarked, “everybody in the senior team of local musicians/artists into love the game and everything that tacular plays either. leagues is a survivor who has a story the world of Senior Softball. Their goes with it. The Fall League began Players who make unbeliev- to tell”. documentary fi lm, The Fall League, fi lming in the 2013 season. able plays often make equally horrid This remark began an extensive endeavors to show how the men and mistakes allowing the ball to go to the Continued on Page 4 wall and clear the bases. When a team knows whether or not to throw behind the runner to stop Kansas City Legend Gary Sloan Dies at 69 the batter from turning fi rst and going Softball News Report received his undergraduate degree and served as a Sports Information Offi cer on to second, or throw ahead of the Gary Lawrence Sloan, 69, of Kan- law degrees from UMKC and man- in Saigon. runner and nail him, it can shut down sas, a commanding hitter and skilled aged a successful law practice. He is survived by his wife, Anna; the inning. pitcher, suffered from a heart attack Gary served in the U.S. Army children, Kelly, Bryan, Michelle and When the base coach sends a run- and passed away at his home on June ner to die at home plate with an .800 as a signal corps offi cer and First Julie; grandchildren, Jordan, Taylor 28. power hitter coming up, it can not Lieutenant in Vietnam. His love of and Parker; mother, Elizabeth; and only end an inning or a rally, but it can Gary played for the Kansas City sports showed through even then as he siblings, Bruce, Norma, Jill and Jan. destroy momentum, morale, and lose Fire 65 team since 2012 and was one the game. of their leading hitters. At six feet four I constantly see third baseman inches tall, Gary was confi dent on standing six feet off the base to re- the mound and intimidated opposing ceive an outfi eld throw allowing the batters. “We all enjoyed playing with runner to arrive safely when the ball Gary. He was always dependable and actually beat him. The guy will blame one of the best hitters on the team. A the throw never seeming to realize that good .700 hitter even at 69,” said his the outfi elder is probably throwing at CATCH manager Jim Jenkins. him assuming he is on the bag, or so he doesn’t throw to an undefended Gary was well known in the EVERYTHING bag. Kansas City softball community as Control Rods give nger tip control When you get beat by a team with well and considered a legend; hitting with comfort good fundamentals nothing stands out a home run out of the Royals Stadium WITH THE because they fi nd many little ways to in 1980 during a Home Run hitting Firm Heel Pocket for more durability beat you and make it look routine. It’s contest. so nondescript that in refl ecting on GENERAL His love of softball, beer and “Control Rods” strategically placed the game all you can come up with is, blues was well known by his team- to give finger tip control and firmness. “Sheeze, we just didn’t hit today.” mates, family, and friends. No, you didn’t get four or fi ve Gary was also passionate about 888.822.3352 FIELDGENERALGLOVES.COM outs an inning and free extra bases. education and the written word. He 4 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition Perspective Is Key in Fitness Training None who play the game can deny between working hard to perform our as is training. that softball is fun. Really, what’s not best while maintaining health and Focusing on our strengths can help to love? We gather outdoors with other preserving the fun of the game? us to realize our individual contribution players; swing the bat, throw the ball, run It’s all about perspective. to the success of our team. It can lend the bases and cheer for our teammates. Awareness of our strengths is a itself to time and energy management The emotional and physical ride great place to start. I believe it’s in the during training and allow us to ease the from first pitch to game’s end is nature of the athlete and inherent to the pressure to excel in areas outside our exhilarating. But when the game is also competitive athletic process to push and immediate area of expertise. competitive, the emotional pressure be pushed. However, recognizing and Acceptance of the idea that each day combined with physical exertion can appropriately reacting to the thresholds and each game is different is liberating. take a toll on players. within that process is equally as No matter how much we strive for Stretching Limits So how do we strike a balance important to reaching peak performance, consistency, variations in energy level By Lisa Cachia and performance will occur. Documentary: Ohio League Stars Of course the competitive athlete work on areas of needed improvement. shows up with the intention to deliver Be confident in giving your best effort in Film Depicting Senior Softball their best. But life is a moving target each day and give yourself a break when Despite their differences, one fact and the best preparation and intention you’re feeling off center. Doing so can Continued from Page 3 was shared by all of the players: their cannot change the fact that sometimes help you to see the big picture, provide The team includes the director, love of the game and the camaraderie things don’t go the way we want. some levity during challenging times Clarke; producer, Gebard; co-produc- that comes with it, especially when Having a bad day doesn’t take and keep the game fun. er, Dean Vincent; interviewer/narrator, facing the many challenges of aging. away from all the good days nor does it Play Ball!!! Todd (who preferred not to use his last In an effort to tell the full story of diminish the effort put forth. All it does Any questions or comments please name); and writer Julia Hiatt Dalton. its players and the importance senior is let you know you’re human and maybe contact: Lisa Cachia, ACSM Certified The Fall League explores the softball plays in their lives; the film need some extra rest. Personal Trainer at Benefitness@ history of Dayton’s Cuny/Zink Senior includes direct interviews with play- Value your strengths people and comcast.net. Slow-Pitch league. Gebard explained ers, player’s wives and specialists. that “Senior Softball grew out of the Author and advocate of the thera- Cal Cup All-Tourney Players Announced vision of two men: George Cuny and peutic value of senior softball, Leon Men’s 40 Major - R&R 40oz: Jerry Larry Ekema; Tharaldsons: Russ Curtis, Jim Zink. In the 1960s, both played Speroff, joined The Fall League’s Stringer, Jerry Edemann, Rich Tepezano Jim Peacock on the Springfield-based Stroh’s teams team during filming and appears in the 50AAA - Top Gun Thunder: John 65 Platinum - Full Circle: Gary (precursors of today’s super majors). film. Dr. Kathy Platoni, who focuses Failla, Steve Vincurek Cohee, Ron Danoski, Ellwin Jobe, Billy After aging out of the open leagues, on veterans issues, also interviewed 55 Major - So Cal 55: Sam Ferri, Steele, Conway Waddy; R & R 65: Dick they founded the first 50+ league in in the film, speaks to “the importance Mol Hill, James Villarreal, Wayne Galer, Markota, Al Estrada, Art Langlois Curtis Akers; Wongs: Eric Overstreet, 65 AAA - Mustangs: Frank Coppa, the Dayton region.” of slow-pitch and other team sports in Rick Adams, Joe Aranda; Git-R-Done: Bob Montalvo Cuny and Zink’s modest vision relation to a well-balanced and healthy Tony Buyak, Joel Hawk 65AA - Sacramento Buds: Michael grew tremendously over time and environment for seniors”. 55 Silver - Lights Out: Steve Jordan, Cal Okamoto, Lee Marshall, Bob currently includes eight 50+ recreation As Gebard and his team put it, Mendenhall, Eloy Chavez, Mark Bailey Riola, Dan Severson; So Cal Crush: leagues, each with four to eight teams “While The Fall League is about a 60 Platinum - So Cal 60: Shigeru Steve Trenary, Dave Pokladowski, and eventually spawned the Dayton specific period of time in one place Asato, Rudy Duran, Edward McElroy; Carmelo Montanez; Git-R-Done: Jim Legends softball club – a group of six and in one season, it also consid- Top Gun 60 Softball: John Woolsey, Hansen, Fred Yunt select traveling tournament teams. ers historical perspectives, parallels Dave Seitz 70 Major - Thousand Oaks Dayton now acts as a select hub between team sport and veteran’s 60 AAA - Cal Extreme: Al Panthers: Dave Myers, Dan Minnick, Jim for recreational Senior Softball in experience, and refers to a broader Garnica, Bruce Marschall, Jon Forbes, Jackson Tom Steinhauer, Steve Martinez; OC 70 Silver - Triple Play: Bill Ohio as players come from as far as perspective – how these players are Mustangs: Jerry McIntyre, Pepe Svoboda, Don Daily, Jim Grubb, Greg Cincinnati and Columbus to play. redefining their later years in terms of Siniard, Al Gingerelli; Git-R-Done: Jim Krebs, Ernie Struman; El Paseo Bank: The film showcases countless senior activity, relationships, and acceptance Mangiapane, David Delgadillo Jeff Gorman, Ben Plascencia, Jim players from diverse backgrounds and (or lack thereof) of the limitations of 60 AA - Sacramento Islanders: Leatherwood; Top Gun: Ron Damschen, professions who were surveyed before the aging process”. Rick Bingham, Ron Cornwell, Craig George Gutierrez filming started. A preview of the film is currently Nakahara, Mel Tennyson, Jack Wabinga; 75/80 Gold - Top Gun: Lee Aday, The survey discovered many available at http://www.thefallleague. 911 Softball Club: Hal Joyce, Bob Don McCage, Hank Alberts, Miguel interesting facts about the player’s com/ , Youtube (search “The Fall Lipeles, Jim Birk; Basehawgs: Rich Vasquez, Bill Poe; Gold Coast: Jeff lives. One player fought in the Nor- League Preview”) and future informa- Garcia, Tom Keheley Hilgaertner, Bennie Roberts, Jim DeFrates mandy invasion. Many had completed tion will be posted as the project is 65 Platinum - SoCal Gusto: Greg Women’s 40s - SoCal Toxic: Becky Penrod, John Sadler, Bob McConnel, Bill Hardy, Kathy Shomaker, Natalie Parsons, marathons after the age of 65, while completed. The team behind The Fall Kluck, Chuck Meeks; Fountain Valley Frannie Rojas, Stephani Rogers; Kiss Our others had never played softball until League hopes to complete the film by Outlaws: Bill McPhillips, Bob Varela, Stix: Aretha Tilley-Pigrum, Anjy Divine they joined the senior league. mid-September. Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News 5 Cal Cup Heads to SoCal; Draws Record 76 Teams By Joseph Ruggiero offensive bout Nor Cal Warriors out undefeated SoCal 60, Top Gun III Softball News Report mustered So Cal vandals 22-17 to win proceeded to achieve two lopsided HEMET, Calif. – Southern the division title. victories against SoCal 60’s 14-7 and California hosted their first Califor- The 50 AAA division also show- 18-9. Both well-earned victories, Top nia State Championships here at the cased some excellent ball play, featur- Gun III was the second team of the young Diamond Valley Lake Park ing the third “If” game of the tourna- tournament to double dip and win the Softball Complex from July 8 to July ment and a sensational double dip by division title. 13. top seed Kamikaze 50. Sugamele Golf Looking to take the 60 AAA divi- Director Doug Robbins commend- looked like the clear contender at the sion title, OC Mustangs started strong ed the new setting and noted that the start of the tournament beating Triple defeating NG/NG2 19-18 and Cal event was a “successful change from narrowly defeat Tharaldson’s 19-18. 7’s 22-19 and Kamikaze 50’s 17-15. Xtreme 16-10. Cal Xtreme came back Northern California.” Robbins added Playing R&R again in the semifinals, Kamikaze 50 altered the narrative however to overcome OC Mustangs that the “the players were complimen- Full Circle’s bats got the better of however by executing a solid come- 12-3 forcing the fifth “If” game of the tary of the move to Southern Califor- R&R 24-23 to force one last match. back upsetting T.G Thunder 18-16 in tournament. Cal Xtreme went on to nia” and the tournament as a whole, Double dipping and flexing their of- order to face off again with Sugamele take the division title defeating OC which attracted 76 teams this year; 18 fensive strength, Full Circle defeated Golf. Unable to clamp down Kami- Mustangs 22-9. more than last year. R&R 24-14 to win the championship. kaze 50, Sugamele Golf lost 16-12 to The 60 AA division saw the Sac- Players from California, Nevada The 65 AAA division saw SoCal force one final rematch. With only one ramento Islanders go undefeated to and Arizona flocked to Valley-Wide’s Gusto dominate the rest of the compe- run determining the champion, Kami- claim the division title. Despite a close eight-field park which opened in 2009. tition. Playing hard, SoCal faced their kaze 50 outplayed Sugamele 26-25 to match against 911 Softball, the Island- With high, hot temperatures present stiffest competition with F.V. Outlaws claim the title. ers reigned supreme with a 21-19 win. throughout the tournament, players who put up 20 runs to SoCal Gusto’s Third seed Wong’s started strong Handpicked cleaned house in the and fans did their best to stay hydrat- 21. In their next match, SoCal Gusto in the 55 Major division quickly 40 Masters Plus division. Picking ed, stay cool, and find the shade where demonstrated their offensive prowess disposing of Git-R-Done 21-10 and apart Kraze 24-6 and then handily they could. beating F.V. Outlaws 20-6 to nab the LVSSA 55’s 21-16. Unable to fend beating Unforgiven 18-7. Handpicked According to Robbins, the last day title. off the offensive might of SoCal 55 in faced a challenge with an inspired of tournament play rewarded players Unable to stop Sacramento Buds’ a painful loss 25-8 Wong’s fell to the performance by Kraze, but ultimately and attendees with a pleasant breeze success in the 65 AA division, SoCal elimination bracket. Winning a tough won the title in a close 23-18 show- while they caught the finalists com- Crush showed that they wouldn’t go rematch against Git-R-Done 25-18, down. pete in what turned out to be gripping down without a fight. Amassing 21 Wong’s ascended to the semifinals. The 40 Masters Major division second-session play. runs in their first match with Buds, Once again they were outmatched by featured two heavyweights in a dra- The tournament gathered the they were unable to keep up as the SoCal’s offensive streak losing 25-11. matic showdown. R&R 40 Oz went largest women’s 40 division in recent Buds countered with 25. Playing SoCal 55 took the title accumulating undefeated until the semifinal game tournament history. The six-team against Buds in the Semifinals, SoCal 71 runs in just three games. squeezing out Epic 30-22 in the first bracket featured a fiercely competi- Crush put up an impressive 21 runs The 55 Silver division saw seven round and proceeding to rout Rancid tive set of teams that reflected the high only to be bested by one run. Buds teams compete for the title. AA team 19-8 in their next game. Monstros caliber talent and competitive edge ended up seizing the title, but SoCal and seventh seed Lights Out put on a put up a good fight, but R&R kept on always present at the annual event. Crush made them work for it. tremendous performance, overtaking swinging to a 14-10 win. Epic took In the Women’s 40 Masters Gold Trailblazing their opponents, Top second seed Hard Tens/OXN Rookies their initial loss in stride and proceed- Division top seed Old School fell to Gun 75 won four consecutive games 20-17 and third seed Desert Dawgs ed to climb their way up the loser’s third seed SoCal Toxic in their first to seize the 75/80 Gold Division title. 25-19. Finally falling to fourth seed bracket defeating Monstros 18-17 in game 18-6. Rising out of the ashes of Beating Gold Coast 17-13 and 17-12, Kamikaze 55’s 17-14, Lights Out dug a well-matched game. Running the their first loss, Old School managed Top Gun 75 sealed the division with deep to overcome Hard Tens 21-20 to tables on R&R, Epic double dipped a win against Kiss Our Stix 21-10 to ease. make it to the semifinal game. Kami- and stole the title out from underneath clinch a spot in the semifinals. Fac- With six teams competing in the kaze 55 then lit up the park with an R&R 22-18 and 18-15 respectively. ing a red hot SoCal Toxic coming off 50 Platinum division, several teams impressive 27 runs to Lights Out’s 11 For complete game results, please three consecutive wins, Old School fired their offensive cylinders to make ending their run to the title. Despite visit Senior Softball USA’s tourna- triumphed 23-10 to stay alive. With an for an electrifying bracket. Kicking off Kamikaze 55 winning the title, Lights ment page at www.seniorsoftball.com. exciting “If” game deciding the cham- the offensive fury, Aftershock rocked Out showed that in softball a little grit pion, SoCal Toxic beat Old School the fences with 32 runs to L.A.F.’s and a lot of determination can go a 23-12 to earn the title. notable 24 runs. Losing steam, After- long way. Heard in the Dugout Forcing another “If” game, the 65 shock lost to So Cal Vandals 20-13. The 60 Platinum division featured "In all affairs - love, reli- Platinum division featured a rousing So Cal Vandals went on to lose a close three finalists vying for supremacy. gion, politics, business - it's a rivalry between Full Circle and R&R game to Nor Cal Warriors 20-19, but Top Gun III, after losing to Top Gun healthy idea to hang a question 65’s. With Full Circle first losing to didn’t let up, quickly dispatching 60’s 16-11, fell to the loser’s bracket mark on things you have long R&R 16-14 in the second round of L.A.F. 21-6 to face Nor Cal again in only to overcome Top Gun 60’s 20-10 taken for granted." play, they picked themselves up to the semifinal game. In a rollicking in an exciting rematch. Facing the --Bertrand Russell 6 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition Tips on Avoiding Ground-Outs Senior Art Eversole Softball Softball News Report News Many of us may recall as kids 2701 K St., Suite 101A the advice we were given when Sacramento, CA 95816 first handed a cylindrical bat with a (916) 326-5303 round ball: “Make sure you square- (916) 326-5304 FAX it-up when you hit the ball”. www.seniorsoftball.com Not so easily done but there are ways to approach the striking Publisher Time to Shift to Mid-Season Workout of the softball with purpose rather W.E. Ruth ball is created by hitting below the the batter focus more directly on than just winding up and letting her Editor rip. ball’s equator. the ball during their at-bat. A good I believe the ground ball is the 3. No-spin is created by hitting hitter learns how to control the Terry Hennessy most troublesome problem senior dead in the middle of the ball (see direction and flight of their ball just hitters experience -- even more illustration). like a golfer. Contributing Writers so than the pop up. With so many Top spin line drives are good Under-spin gives the hitter the Lisa Cachia, Jack Eber- teams today playing five-man for keeping the ball in the park best control and also adds distance hard, Pete Davignon, Dave infields and three-man outfields, or when you’re out of home runs. to your big flys. Here’s the direct Dowell, Art Everole, Carl with 11 defenders in older divi- Under-spin line drives carry over link to my previous senior softball Gustafson, Beth Hamilton, sions, hitters have found that hit- the infielders heads and shoot the articles for reference: http://www. Ross McCulligan, George ting the ball on the ground can be gaps quickly. bashbro1nwseniorsoftball.com/ Moreno, Tiffany Peck, disastrous. Sometimes the big boys will hit id476.html Joe Ruggiero, Susan Ruth, Runners are now being forced Under-spin line drives that carry Art Eversole is a Senior Soft- Jack Sirard, out of the park by mistake resulting ball News Contributor. out at 2nd base from either a mid- Internet Director fielder or someone playing a deep in DBO’s. A good top-hand action Scott Flodin shift taking away a sure base hit. on the ball can result in some very This can be extremely frustrat- nice “hump-back” line drives that CAN-Sirs Tourney Art Director ing to the hitter as well as killing a stay in the park. Draws 44 Teams Sue Ballenger promising inning. What was once Your “Swing Plane” is another a base-hit to the outfield is now a determinant of where and how Marketing Manager CAN-Sirs Awareness Team Fran Dowell fielder’s choice! your hit is delivered into the field Benefit Tournament was a success Two questions can be asked: of play. You can swing directly up Nothing in this publication shall with 44 teams from three states be deemed to constitute in any 1) Why I’m hitting so many at the ball, or swing downwards at competing in eight age brackets. The fashion whatsoever an endorse- ground balls? the ball, or the preferred method of ment by Senior Softball USA, tournament was May 17, 18, in Elk LLC. (SSUSA), of any informa- 2) How can I stop? a level swing, staying on plane to Grove CA. tion in this publication. SSUSA, the incoming pitch. LLC., disclaims any and all li- What area you are striking on In addition, a second Cancer ability with respect to any use of, the ball’s surface is paramount to Swinging up at the ball (not Awareness tournament was held in or reliance on, such information. Hayward CA, which had an additional No information in this publication answering these questions. Rolling recommended) can cause a looping shall be construed in any manner up on the top of the softball at con- fly if you hit below the equator or 36 teams. whatsoever as a recommendation This is the fourth year for the of any industry standard, or as tact with your top hand produces a Top-spin fly if you strike about a recommendation of any kind “Top-spin” resulting many times the equator. These strikes rarely event which started with 18 teams and to be adopted by, or binding on, has grown ever since. any person or entity. Nor shall in a hot ground ball or a weak have enough lift or distance and information contained in this This year, the Fort Sutter and are typically caught before reach- publication be deemed to consti- bounder. Understanding both ball Elk Grove Lions clubs provided tute in any fashion whatsoever an spin and ing the warning track. Review endorsement by SSUSA, LLC., of concessions. The California Grapettes, any product or service advertised swing angle can help eliminate my article on the “Magnus effect” a girls fast pitch league provided bat herein. The material set forth in which illustrates that hitting with this publication is provided on an the ground ball dilemma. girls for all the dugouts. The donations informational basis only. SSUSA, Let’s first talk about basic ball an upswing is not the best way to raised by these two groups went to Inc., is not engaged in the practice of any profession, including but spin: hit the ball for distance (link found the “bookbags for needy students” not limited to law, medicine and 1. Over-spin or Top spin is below). program in Elk Grove. accounting, and nothing in this publication should be relied upon created by hitting above the ball’s Striking at the ball with pur- Next year’s tournament dates have in lieu of appropriate competent equator or the center of the ball. pose allows the hitter to control his been set at May 16-17 in Elk Grove professional advice. 2. Under-spin or ‘cutting the or her outcomes and also makes CA. Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News 7 Columbus Hosts 7 States, Canada at ISA Worlds Softball News Report hand in hand. Southside victory. Playing Brickyard first match up against Jim & Joe’s COLUMBUS, IND. – The 2014 Amid the exciting gameplay Classic 50 next, Southside achieved a Icemen 16-14. In the championship ISA Senior World Tournament re- on Friday afternoon, disaster almost close 24-20 victory to kick Brickyard game, Indiana Legends 60’s showed turned here with 38 teams fighting struck during a seeding game when an Classic 50 into the loser’s bracket. their dominance delivering a 25-9 win to claim a world title and a berth in Indiana Legends outfielder went down Beating Polyviou Dental, Brickyard to take the championship. the Tournament of Champions. The after an inning ending play. Uncon- Classic 50 forced a rematch against The 60/65 Gold division fea- tournament proved to be a world class scious and without a pulse, 911 was Southside who ended up claiming the tured some close and competitive event as teams from seven states and immediately called and within seconds title 24-23. play. DeClaire Knee/Ortho started Canada battled it out on the lovely a nurse/spectator, Sonya (daughter of The 50 AAA division, the larg- strong as they swung their way to the Lincoln Park fields. an Indiana Legends player), and site est of the tournament, featured eight championship game defeating Dayton The teams, eager to chase after director, Melissa Maiel, arrived to as- teams duking it out for the title. Team Legends 60’s 19-14 and American a world title, played their first games sist the player. Thanks to the AED and 050 knocked the top-seeded team Scaffolding 17-16. American Scaf- early in the morning before the thun- CPR the player was revived on the into the loser’s bracket, while Pope folding wouldn’t allow the narrow derstorms hit. field before EMTs arrived. The player Transport fought their way through loss to dampen their spirits though as Despite the contentious weather, was taken to a nearby hospital and is the winner’s bracket to take their they managed to knock off the Dayton the tournament fielded a total of 121 now home resting and doing well, ac- place in the championship game. After Legends 12-11 and advance to the games played over a three-day pe- cording to his teammates. battling through four games in the championship game. Beating DeClaire riod. With 16 one-run ball games, 26 With just three teams in the 50 loser’s bracket, the Dayton Legends Knee/Ortho 20-7 in a decisive victory, two-run ball games and 31 games that Major division, Brickyard Classic 50 Hitmen forced a rematch against Pope American Scaffolding forced the “If” ended with a three-run differential or took the top spot coming out of seed Transport. The bats of Pope Transport game only to lose 16-10. After some less, the close contests showed once play. Southside 50 and Polyviou Den- proved too hot for the Dayton Legends superb play, DeClaire Knee/Ortho again that Columbus and softball go tal started off the bracket with a 20-19 Hitmen however, and Pope Transport pulled through to claim the title. seized the championship 24-19. The 65/70 Gold division was the The 55 Major division was home second largest division in the tourna- to four teams that played a double ment drawing seven teams. The top elimination format. Old Style/Windy seeded Windsor Chiefs outplayed their City faced off against Banker and rivals right out of the gate as they Mann Softball on Saturday with Old defeated US Jobs 26-20 and Michaels/ Style winning 19-17. Kinnco Services Libbys 70’s 24-22 to clinch a spot in beat out Six Pac 22-14. the championship game. Banker and Mann then muscled Narrowly overcoming Mid State their way through the loser’s bracket Seniors 14-13 and beating Michaels/ to play Kinnco Services for the cham- Libbys 70, US Jobs rallied to earn pionship. With a final score of 19-12, the chance to avenge their loss to the Kinnco Services won the title. Windsor Chiefs. Putting on an offen- The 55 AAA division showcased sive hailstorm, US Jobs beat Windsor five teams. Despite losing to BSN/ 17-13 to force the “If” game but fell DeClaire/PMB 23-22 in a close short of the championship title when showdown, the Milwaukee Merchants the Windsor Chiefs took the “If” game climbed their way up through the 21-17. loser’s bracket to reach the champion- Six teams tussled for the 65/70 ship game. Silver division championship. The Semper Fi The undefeated Central Illinois Indiana Legends proved triumphant Chiefs dominated the winner’s bracket however as they overwhelmed two of dusting off Antique Roadshow 22-21 the stronger teams at their first meet- and BSN/DeClaire/PMB 29-12 to ing with victories over Kentuckiana advance to the championship game. 16-15 and Dayton Legends 20-10. Maintaining their winning streak, the Staying alive in the loser’s Chiefs triumphed over the Merchants bracket, Kentuckiana persisted despite 24-15 to take their division champion- their initial loss only to be bested by ship. Dayton Legends 29-23. Claiming the In the 60 Major division, two final spot in the championship game, teams played three seeding games Dayton Legends were outmatched mixed with the 55 AAA and then 19-9 as the undefeated Indiana Leg- broke out into a best of three bracket. ends took the victory and the 2014 The Indiana Legends 60’s won the title. 8 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition Opinions &Letters The Sanctuary of Sports As missiles fly in the Middle East and the pull of political power degenerates to war in Eastern Europe, sports offer a sanctu- ary of sanity. Teams compete using accepted rules of play to determine a winner. No one dies and teams retain respect for opposing players. The concept of peaceful international competition is best em- bodied in the Olympics. Sports also has been used as a bridge between feuding powers. Ping Pong opened relations between the United States and China in the 1970s, for example. For the past 25 years, Senior Softball-USA has taken teams to more than 35 countries to promote the sport and more important to promote international friendship through sports. In the past few years SSUSA has taken teams to Cuba and China and has devel- oped invaluable friendships through our sport. We do not pretend that small steps like these will stop a war, however, even these tiny steps lay a foundation of understanding through a common love of a sport – and that provides a weary world with hope for the future. Sue Ballenger Fellow Players Can Help Ease Stress of Cancer Survivors Two recent studies indicate the number one problem of men having The challenges concerning dealing interest in playing softball, ask them survived cancer is high distress. The CAN-SIRS with high distress (PTSD) in men who if they want to talk. Men will ask for study shows there are serious stress CORNER have survived cancer is to recognize and accept help in a male friendly issues that may not start until months By Pete Davignon the value of sharing their stress issues environment. or even a year after the physical with their medical professionals and By engaging them in discussions, healing has finished. physical and mental shock of having a to understand the connection between distress can be decreased. If one of In a study of men with prostate, life-threatening disease, the treatments talking to fellow survivors and your fellow ballplayers has cancer, GI, lung, and head and neck cancers, for cancer, and living with repeated positive outcomes. heart problems, heat stroke, or other the top problems for requested threats to one’s body and life are Survivors sometimes pull away bodily injury such as bad knees, hip, assistance were all classified as high traumatic experiences for many cancer from others. They may ignore or deny or shoulders, we all come to them with distress. Sleep was the number one patients. feelings of loneliness, lack of interest wishes for a quick recovery. complaint for all the cancers. The The symptoms experienced by in things they normally enjoyed. They If the problem shows itself as second was related to fatigue, third cancer survivors are similar to other need to make themselves consciously irritability, anger, shortness of temper, was finances and then stress-related situations such as military combat, aware of the internal conflicts that irrational conversations, we frequently issues. This study was done through violent personal attacks, or other life demand macho reactions and bring ignore and avoid these situations. personal interviews by the City of threatening events. themselves to interact with their Instead, try empathy and compassion Hope Cancer Research Center. Because the cancer experience fellow survivors. for fellow players who show systems Severe anxiety, depression, involves so many upsetting events, The stresses are best treated with of high distress and PTSD. irritability, short temper, anger, it is more difficult to single out one therapy and medications. Stress levels You can get more information on withdrawal, sexual dysfunction, event as the cause of stress than it is can be brought under control with PTSD and Cancer at the City of Hope apathy, and ignoring and denying for other traumas. time. or the National Institute for Cancer, or feelings of need are the symptoms Symptoms that last for a month or Fellow senior softball players, just Google “cancer and stress.” according to the National Caner more and cause significant problems here is where we can help our fellow Institute and are defined as Post in the man’s personal relationships, players. Pete Davignon, CAN-Sirs Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). employment, or other important If you know a cancer survivor Awareness Team, 2485 Notre Dame Men with histories of cancer are area of daily life are considered high on your team or league that seems to Blvd #370-180, Chico CA 95928 / considered to be at risk for PTSD. The distress. withdraw from fellowship or loses [email protected] Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News 9 Umpire: Offi ciated in 44 States . . . and Counting Continued from Page 1 unique yet the obstacles to obtaining them remain The fi eld manager and his son took Sabin cat- the same. fi shing for the rest of the afternoon. tax preparer by trade, and his wife have fl own, taken Work, school, fi nances, family, com mitments, “We had an absolute blast,” said Sabin, “and trains, and driven countless miles across the country. and even disease are undeniable facts of life, yet in- they were gracious enough to invite me back to the It’s been a long ride whose end is not yet in spiration can be drawn by those who chose to break fi eld the next day.” sight. the mold and seek their own happiness, whatever For a recent trip, Sabin contacted the City of The couple, who live in Gatlinburg, Tenn., has that may be. Casper Wyoming’s Parks and Rec Department, been to 44 states so far with only Arizona, Colorado, Timothy Sabin is one of those individuals. asking to umpire one of their league nights and they Hawaii, New Mexico, North Carolina and Utah “I’m a sports fan,” says Sabin. His true love were happy to oblige. remaining. is offi ciating. He has been offi ciating for the better Tim and his wife drove their pickup four hours Sacrifi ce is a part of life and their journey has part of 20 years. from Cody to Casper to umpire league night on been no different. He referees/umpires a multitude of sports Tuesday, June 3. Sabin’s wife only travels with him about half including basketball, soccer, fi eld hockey, and “He did a wonderful job umpiring for us and the time. Although she doesn’t make every trip, she of course softball. Sabin has offi ciated for ASA, looked truly happy to be out there,” said Brad enjoys the journey and has been extremely support- NCAA, and various organizations since he began. Raney, recreation supervisor for the City of Casper. ive of his dream. One of Sabin’s fondest memories occurred According to Sabin, Hawaii will be his last stop, They have stayed in countless number of ho- about seven years ago while umpiring in Jackson, a fi nale to the adventure of his lifetime. Timothy tel rooms and on their last trip they even slept on a Mississippi. Sabin’s goal is unique, but his message is universal. blowup mattress in the bed of their F150 pickup in They had just begun their league with Sabin The experience has outweighed the sacrifi ce, Wal-Mart parking lots. behind the plate when it started to rain. The rain in- he said. Follow your heart and do what makes you Few of us ever truly realize our dreams, life gets terfered just enough to cancel the games but stopped happy. in the way. Each of our goals and aspirations are soon after.

Senior Softball Returns to Hawai‘i Skip the Snow for Sun, Sand and Softball!

2015 Mayor’s Cup Senior Softball Tournament January 19-­‐23, 2015 Kailua-­‐Kona, Hawai‘i Open to Individual Players and Teams Men’s Age Divisions 60+ and 70+ New Women’s 50+ Division Added Co-­‐ed Charity Golf Tournament at a Championship Course Tournament Proceeds Support Nonprofit Hawai‘i Island United Way Limited Space – Register Today

Registration Fees: $45/individual* or $400/team*

Hawai‘i Island United Way: (808) 936-6393/www.hiunitedway.org

“I’ve been to Cuba, Barcelona, here and there playing this sport, and Hawai‘i is the best.” -Jack Aaronson, two-time tournament home run champion

*Does not include golf fees 10 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota Win in Midwest By Beth Hamilton won 22-6 and was crowned 55 AA end Midwest Express squeezed out the Softball News Report Champs while Minnesota Blizzard win 12-7. SHAWNEE, KAN. – The Mid- became 60 AA Champs. Quad City Old Stars of Iowa came west Championships proved to be a In the 60 Majors, Pope Transport back with a vengeance after a 1-2 success for the fi fth year in a row here of Wisconsin and Chicago Classic round-robin result in the 70+ AAA with 55 teams from 12 states compet- Bobcats won the top two bracket spots Division. After making it to the fi nal ing. when play was halted due to the rain. game, Quad City Old Stars defeated “A complete rainout in Gardner In a late game Saturday Pope Trans- The Crackerbox of Arkansas 12-4. (Celebration Park) on Sunday left port defeated CC Bobcats 25-10 for A split into two bracket fi nals after many teams disappointed,” said Tour- the title. combined round-robin games resulted nament Director Don Brooks. How- The 60+ AAA was the only divi- in the Mid-America Patriots of Mis- ever all divisions had played enough the fi nals, they defeated Oklahoma sion left to determine a champ because souri beating KC Seniors 14-7 and 17- games Friday and Saturday to deter- Rhinos 16 -7 for the title. of the rainout. The game moved to 14 to take the 70+ AA division. Then mine winners in each division. A battle evolved between the No. Mid-America Complex, with Minne- Harris Auction of Arkansas won 22-7 Fortunately the second complex 2 and No. 3 seeds in the 55+ Major sota Masters/Ancell defeating Red- against Antiques of KC for the 75/80+ used for the tournament, Mid-America division. MWC of Kansas and Old wings of Missouri, 21-9. Gold division title. Sports Complex, did not lose any Style/Windy City of Illinois battled Midwest Express from Nebraska For complete scores, bracket games to rain. each other early with MWC winning. set forth on a mission after a 1-1 results, and All Tournament Player Due to a rain out at Celebration Determined to do it again, MWC did round-robin results in the 65+ Silver lists, please visit the Midwest Park, the 50+ Major division did not so by a score of 27-25. bracket. The only team standing in Championships Tournament page at compete the last day. 50 Caliber St. The Integrity Builders of Nebras- their way was Kansas City Fire. In the www.seniorsoftball.com. Louis of Missouri won the division by ka won all fi ve of their games in the beating Minnesota Merchants 14-10 in tournament to take the 50/55+ Silver the last winner’s bracket game. division champs. They won the cham- The Iowa Demons let the pionship game against Sports Image 50+AAA teams know they were there of Missouri 13-7. to win the division. Coming out of the In the hard-fought Men’s 55/60+ Your Go-To Realtor round robins they were 2-0, but they AA Division, a fi ve-team battle ensued didn’t end their run there. Gliding into after bracket play. In the end, interiors Midwest All Tourney Players 2014 Midwest Championships 60 Major - Pope Transport: Mike 50 AAA - Iowa Demons: Tim Baehman, Steve Neubauer, Bill Dolphin, Killam, Harry McFadden, Tony Bergloff, Jerry Hovseth, Paul Cox; 50 Caliber Tim Wolver, Mark Ramsey Silver St Louis: Bill Merideth, Gary 50/55 Silver - Integrity Builders: Stahlhut Rod Chambers, Mike Fitzgerald, 60 AAA - Ancell/MN Masters: Dennis Steinhauser, Chuck Grubb, Russ Bruce Boyer, Don Hoen, Fritz Scheffert; Antiques of Iowa City: Kevin Wegscheider, John Reagan, Ray Glynn; Rauch, Maynard Gingerich Springfi eld Redwings: Jim Massey, Nate 55 Major - MWC: Billy Peck, Steve Nelson, Randy Baldwin Krull, Jim Prentice, Marlin McQueen, 65 Silver - Midwest Express: Dean Mitch Saunders; Old Style/Windy City Becker, Sonny Burton, John Kelly, Gary Softball: Brian Campbell, Billy Scales, McCoy, Rick Simodynes; Kansas City Kevin Krahn Fire: Chuck Stout, Jack Pickert, Jim 55 AA - 1st Interiors: Randy Jenkins; US Pallet: Mike Zimmermann, Johnson, Merle Hicks, Jim Martin, Eddie Matt Laudano Sirfus, Brian Williams 70 AAA - Quad City Old Stars: Tom Buck, Pat Murphy, Ralph Groteluschen, Terry VanKlavern, Larry $2,939 Raised for Cancer Michels; The Crackerbox: Jim Morgan, Mel Stinnett, Chuck Adams Senior softball players in Oregon 70 AA - MidAmerica Patriots: Don recently took on their toughest op- Applebaugh, Dick Edington, Frank Perez Robert Highsmith, Realtor ponent – cancer – raising $2,939 in a Jr, Jerry Denzler, Charlie Workman; KC tournament at the Hood View Com- Seniors: Walt McKenzie, Jerry Ziegler, BridgeLight Real Estate plex in Happy Valley, Ore. Mark VanAuken 480-250-8020 Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News 11

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Engineered with Dudley’s® Innovative GRIP SPIN TECHNOLOGY™ to maximize the ball’s flight characteristics and distance Fusion Composite Barrel Design allows maximum performance combined with extraordinary durability hit after hit Fusion Composite Handle Design is engineered to maximize your handle stiffness and control vibration Equipped with the Dudley® tackified bat grip providing Softball Serious comfort and control The Dudley® Lightning Bolt End Cap helps with rotating your bat to get the maximum life out of the barrel Hank Garris Davey Reed Bobby Davis 12 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition Reno: Prestige, Kraze Win 40s; Sommerville, CaliGold Take Top 50s Continued from Page 1 15, in the championship. However, Kraze turned the tables in the ‘IF’ with Teams from 15 states and British a 16-15 victory over NorCal Stars to Columbia competed in the Rock N’ win the division. Reno Challenge Cup, the longest run- The 50 Major Plus division was ning national qualifier in America. extremely competitive with close “We are extremely proud of the games throughout the bracket. Num- success of this tournament and would ber 1 seed Sommerville Softball was like to thank all the teams that contin- knocked to the loser’s bracket by the ue to support the rich tradition of the Northwest Legends, 28-26, in the Rock N’ Reno Challenge,” said Fran second round. Sommerville battled Dowell, executive director of Senior their way to the championship to once Softball-USA. again square off with the Northwest The 10-day event in late May uti- Legends. Sommerville hammered the lized four excellent softball complex- Legends, 29-13, to force a champion- es, including Golden Eagle Regional ship ‘IF’ game. Both teams played Park, one of the nation’s finest all turf superb in the ‘IF’ with Sommerville fields. The tournament dealt with coming out on top 32-28. some strong winds during the week, CaliGold Athletics used a combi- but the weekends were gorgeous with nation of timely hitting and small-ball blue skies and moderate temperatures. to go undefeated in the 50 Major divi- Photos by Senior Games Photos As a Senior Softball National sion. They won all six of their games The Arizona Dream Team emerged from the elimination bracket to Qualifier, all competing teams are by just 3.5 runs per game, including double-dip Steel Smackin and win the 50 Women's Division. invited to the Western National Cham- three one-run ballgames. Their larg- pionships in Sacramento as well as est margin of victory happened to be In their first bracket game. they de- play. Old Dawgs grabbed the num- the World Masters Championships in in the championship game as they feated All-Pro Plumbing 19-2 and then ber one seed but lost to God’s Sports Las Vegas. In addition, every winning defeated Scrap Iron/Rocky Mountain ran off four more consecutive victories Company 16-14 in the second round. team of the 31 divisions is also invited Thunder, 30-21. to claim the division championship. Old Dawgs then defeated Chain Link to the exclusive Tournament of Cham- McU Sports was seeded 10 out of The Alaska Kings traveled the far- 16-15 to square off with God’s Sports pions in Florida next year. 14 heading into bracket play in the 50 thest to compete in the Men’s 55 AAA Company in the championship. God’s Three teams battled in the 40 Ma- AAA division. McU won four straight division but it was well worth it. As Sports Company was able to slug their jor Plus division with Prestige/Premier extremely close games to find them- the six seed in an eight-team bracket, way to the division title defeating Old grabbing the No. 1 seed in the bracket, selves in the finals against Sonoma Alaska Kings won three extremely Dawgs 19-3 in the championship. followed by HandPicked and Louis- County Crush. Crush defeated McU, close games including a, 16-15, vic- Eight teams competed in the ville Sluggers, respectively. Prestige 16-15, to force an ‘IF’ game, however tory over Baker Boyz for the division 60 Major division with Envio-Vac knocked HandPicked into the loser’s McU proved to strong winning the championship. Marauders, out of British Colum- bracket with a 22-20 win in the second ‘IF’ 22-5. Mountain Men, Cascade Thunder, bia, grabbing the number two seed. round. Handpicked then defeated The 55 Major Plus division con- and 1st draft competed for supremacy Enviro-Vac squared off with number Louisville, 28-26, to face Prestige sisted of four teams California Energy, in the 55 AA division. Mountain Men five seed Houston Fire in the fifth in the finals. HandPicked ended up Goodman Racing, MTC Softball 55 grabbed the top seed after a combined round and lost a competitive game, double dipping Prestige 26-23 and 28- and Summy’s Nighthawks. MTC pool play with the 55 AAA divison. 15-14. Houston Fire defeated Enviro- 10 to take the title. slugged their way through the bracket Mountain Men then defeated 1st Draft Vac once again in the championship The 40 Major division consisted to win the division title, defeating 24-14 and Cascade Thunder 15-7 to game, 15-13, to take the division. of 12 teams from California and their opponents by an average of 10 win the division. Sixteen teams comprised the 60 Nevada. Number 11 seeded Kraze runs per game. The 60 Major Plus division AAA division, one of the largest in dominated their first four bracket Ten teams from five states com- consisted of four teams, Chain Link, the tournament. Over The Edge won games winning each by an average prised the 55 Major division. San God’s Sports Company, Old Dawgs four consecutive close games to fight of 11 runs per game. NorCal Stars Antonio Softball Club dropped their and Timberworks Construction. The their way to the championship. They was able to force an ‘IF’ game against opening two pool play games and was competition was extremely close matched up against Royals Softball Kraze, winning a tight ballgame, 16- seeded seven heading into the bracket. with five one-run ballgames in pool Continued on Page 13 Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News 13 Reno: San Antonio Wins Huge 65AAA Continued from Page 12 of offense with Omen defeating Full 12 and 25-7 respectively. Club in the finals and defeated the Circle, 34-18, to win the division. Sacramento Islanders were pushed Royals 22-11 for the championship High Desert Roadrunners played to an “IF” game in the 65 AA division with their largest margin of victory in impressive team softball on their by Damaged Goods. Damaged Goods the tournament. way to victory in the 65 Major divi- defeated the Islanders, 10-8, to force Lincoln Hills Coyotes grabbed the sion. They were the number four seed the “IF” however the Islanders rallied number two seed heading into bracket heading into the bracket and won four back to win the division, 22-5. play in the 60 AA division. The straight with by an average of 1.8 The 70 Major Plus division con- Coyotes won all four of their bracket runs, eventually defeating R&R for sisted of an East vs. West battle with games by a margin of seven runs per the championship. Florida Legends squaring off against game on their way to the division The largest division of the tourna- Stark Street Pizza out of Nevada. In championship. ment was the 65 AAA division with a closely fought ballgame, the Florida Full Circle and Omen played a 19 teams representing eight states. Legends outlasted Stark Street Pizza, best of three for the 65 Major Plus San Antonio Silver Streaks got hot 18-15, for the championship. division. Omen defeated Full Circle, at the right time. As the number five The 70/75 Platinum division was 20-13, in the first game but Full Circle seed. the Silver Streaks won five comprised of six teams from the 70 forced an “IF” with a, 22-17, win in games in a row to take the division. Major division and also the San Fran- the second game. The “IF” was full They faced off with Last Call in their cisco Seals, 75 Major Plus team. The final two games and defeated them 16- Seals were seeded four but saved their best play for the bracket. They lost to CE John in the third round, 12-10, but fought their way back to face CE Johns in the championship game. The Seals defeated CE John, 25-19, and the teams chose not to play the “IF.” Stark Street Pizza of Nevada, CE Johns was awarded the 70 Major above, lost to Florida Legends/ championship and San Francisco Seals Human Kenetics in the 70 were the 75 Major Plus champion. Major-Plus Division finals. The 70 AAA division came down to number four seed, Direct Flooring, The 80 AAA division had a great and number two seed, Triple Play, turnout with five teams from Cali- squaring off for the division. Both fornia and Oregon. The Elk Grove teams fought hard in an excellent Renegades were the number one seed game with Triple Play coming out on but dropped their opening game, 11- top, 20-19, to win the division. 6, to the Oregon Roadrunners. The The 70 AA division consisted of Renegades then won their next four six teams including the CAN-SIRS games to force an “IF” against Oregon Exhibition team. One seed, Git-R- City Sports. Despite the Renegades Done was defeated by two seed, Scrap effort, they were unable to complete Iron Force, 14-6, in the third round. the comeback losing to Oregon City The two teams squared off again in Sports, 16-7, in the “IF” game. the final with Scrap Iron edging out Angry Birds and Tharaldson another victory, 18-17, to the win the Softball went head-to-head in a best division championship. of three for the Women’s 40 Major The 75 Major division played a division championship. Angry Birds best of three between PDR FastSign handled Tharaldson, 18-10 and 22-6, and Silver Tips. PDR dominated the to win the championship. bracket with convincing wins, 21-9 As the number one seed in the and 19-8, to win the division. Women’s 40 AAA division, Kiss Our State Roofing Systems, out of Stixx improved with each game they California, grabbed the number three played. They defeated Steel Runnin, seed in the bracket and slugged their Lone Star Elite, and Old Nasty Curves way to the division championship. in consecutive victories to win the Photos by Senior Games Photos State Roofing defeated the Oregon division. Roadrunners in the third round and The Women’s 40 AA division The San Francisco Seals won the 70/ 75 Platinum Division, beating once again in the final, 16-12. was also a best of three between Bonaventure / CE Johns of Washington 25-19 in the finals. Continued on Page 14 14 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition Reno: Arizona, Reno All-Tournament Players Named Here are the All-Tournament Brad Edginton, Mark Troxel Men’s 65 AA - Sacramento Team selections for the Rock 'n' Reno Men’s 55 AAA - Alaska Kings: Islanders: Lou Chavez, Monte Watson, Missouri, Cal., Challenge Cup: Dave Zuker, Greg Earl, Mike Lohmann, George Garcia, Ed Stoessel, Dan Sumpter; Women’s 40 Major - Angry Birds: Dave Marsett, Mike Story; Baker Boys: Damaged Goods: Mike Rupley, Tim Nevada Win Marci Refuerzo, Mitzi Aguilera, Heather John Rhonemus, Dave Daugherty, Marty Ryan, Jeff West Richard, Dalene Sarret, Cari Zieske Wilcox Men’s 70 Major+ - Florida Women’s 40 AAA - Kiss our Stix: Men’s 55 AA - Mountain Men: Legends/Human Kinetics: Patrick Large Women's Aretha Tilley-Pigrum, Carlene Garcia, Dave Litchfield, Bruce King, Stuart Bidelman, Zeb Carter, Roy Hern, Tols Diamond Lucas, Becky Robertson, Deena Fredman, Dave Watson, Jamie Miranda Mihailoff, Mike Pickett; Stark St, Pizza: Dobbins; Old Nasty Curves: Carmen Men’s 6+0 Major+ - GSC 60: Tom Hank Cluess, Mike Hoffberg, Bob Brown; Divisions Chavez, Stephanie Pease, Shelly Serna Amundson, Vern Fowler, Steve Imlay, Omen 70: Gerald Ford, Rich Schmidt Jimmy Ross, Art Tressler; Chain Link: Men’s 70 Major - Bonaventura/ Continued from Page 13 Women’s 40 AA - B.O.O.B.S: Christine Eakins, Michelle Ballard, Paul Becker, Gary Simons CE John: Doug Blatchford, Jerry Henry, B.O.O.B.’s and Northwest Intensity. Courtney Brophy, Sharyn Ruff, Kari Men’s 60 Major - Houston Fire: Clavis Nickleberry, Art Roper, John B.O.O.B.’s defeated Northwest Inten- Zamori Jim Tharp, Bill Husta, Mike Hirth, Terry Aavhus sity, 23-11, in the first round game. Women’s 50 - Az Dream Team: Litzinger, Bob Schultz; Superior Water Men’s 70 AAA - Triple Play: De Northwest Intensity made it much Angie Ayala, Louise O’Donnell, Terri & Air: Tom Lopez, Terry DeMoss Dewitt, Tom Graham, Orson Curtis, Bob more competitive in the second game Davis, Jane Smith, Linda Witt Men’s 60 AAA - Royals Softball: Nicklason, Tom Imming; Direct Sales: only to come up short to B.O.O.B.’s, Women’s 55 - Nevada Sage: Matt Goodrich, Joel Arbogast, Tony Diaz Fred Plowman, Gary Stevenson, Ruben Men’s 60 AA - Lincoln Hill Vasquez 14-13, in the championship. Peggy Nelson-Aguilar, Kathy Drummond, Coyotes: Carlos Zavala, Joe Bellah, Men’s 70 AA - Git-R-Done: As the number one seed in the Angie Klein, Kim Bradshaw, Pat Hixson Women’s 60 - Az Castawaz: Biaggio Cannistraci, Brock Dabb, Steve Manny Gutierrez, Steve Swartz, Gene Women’s 50 division, Arizona Dream Carolyn Lavis, Terry Sheldon, Cynthia Lambert; YMC/Keith Enterprises: Dave Dick; Sonoma Fog: Wally Todd, Ted Team was knocked into the loser’s Lutz, Nancy Gagnon, Gloria Smith; Fun Henderson, Stu Prince, Fred Bradley; Chamberlain bracket by Ladiez Steel Smackin, 21- Bunch: Teri Merickel, Carol Sutherland, Stagecoach Saloon: John Hyde, Dennis Men’s 75 Major+ - San Francisco 19. AZ Dream Team defeated Oregon Star Golia; Calif, Spirit: Cheryl York Seals: Jim Phillips, Harry Heller, Argie Reign to claw back into the champion- Harrington, Kerrie Webb Men’s 65 Major+ - OMEN 65: Haddick, Pete Conley, Bob Banchero ship and once again face Ladiez Steel Women’s 65 - Fun Bunch: Chris Dennis Dalton, John Denham, Fred Men’s 75 Major - PDR/Fastsigns: Smackin. AZ Dream Team forced Wallace, Karen Darnell, Cyndi Kelly, Purvis, George Sylvia, Roland Bleitz, Mike Sisavic, Dick O’Brien, Chuck an ‘IF’ game and eventually defeated Susan Thompson, Marcia Hiltabidle; John Dorsett Bergeron, Tom Barrett, Marv Rueck, Men’s 65 Major - High Desert Jack Scott; Silvertips: Don Person, Les Ladiez, 8-6, to win claim the division. Saints Express: Jeanie Gray, Joan Shirley, Bev VanGundy; LV Neons: Sue Roadrunners: Ray Maxey, Willie Hanson, Frank Files Nevada Sage faced off with Santa Walker, Johnny Battaglia, Joe Almadova, Men’s 75 AAA - State Roofing Cruz Blues in the Women’s 55 divi- Westlake, Sue Silcott Men’s 40 Major - Kraze: Olonzo Paul Allen; R&R 65’s: Wes Baker, Tad Systems: Larry Heise, Jim Donohue, sion. Nevada Sage played strong Woodfin, Steve Kwon, Paul Durham, Ludes, George Anas; Tharaldson’s: Rick Ray Johnson, Bob Elwood, Vic Madden; winning two in a row for the champi- Andy Edwards, Dan Arevalos; Nor-Cal Denton, Rob Taylor Oregon Roadrunners: Jim Hawkes, onship, 13-7 and 6-2, respectively. Stars: Al Belker, Don McKay, Jesse Men’s 65 AAA - San Antonio Jake Dieter, Pat Henretty; Lincoln Hills A large division of seven teams Mata Silver Streaks: Rocky Crews, Ronnie Coyote’s: Larry Manley, Dave Alley from California, Nevada, and Oregon Men’s 50 Major+ - Sommerville Sanders, Chon Fernandez, Domingo Men’s 80 AAA - Elk Grove comprised the Women’s 60 division. Softball: Mike Reed, Daryl Beeler, Paul Garcia, Chris Schneider; Last Call: Renegades: Dave Fairchild, Don Fields, The Arizona Castawayz had a slight Salow, Chito Alviderez, Brian Hausner; Gary Landaburu, Lowell Moore, Emerson Vince Pisani, Darrow Baker, Roland Read; Suburban Auto Group: Larry Starwalt scare in the second round winning a Pacific NW Legends: Bret Kreuger, Koenig, Tim Fissori defensive minded game, 5-4, over Fun Mike Terrell, Steve Buettner; AZ Elite: Bunch. The Castawayz would face off Bobby Gutierrez, Curtis Horger 50 Major - CaliGold Athletics: with the Fun Bunch once again in the Rudy Estrada, Mark Olivas, John Murphy, Late All Tourney Players Listed championship, this time slugging their Tony Pereda, Kevin Tugwell; Scrap Iron 2014 Southwest 80 Gold - Scrap Iron Gray Berets: Dick way to a, 16-5, victory and the divi- Rocky Mountain Thunder: Kurt Keintz, Skinner, Ray Keller sion title. Phil Bryant, Ken Zito; Cornerstone: Jeff Championships Fun Bunch was able to prove their Acy, Dan Smith Women’s 40 AAA - SoCal Toxic: supremacy over three other teams in Men’s 50 AAA - McU Sports: Becky Hardy, Melanie Grieco 2014 Tournament of the Women’s 65 division. Fun Bunch Steve Hallock, Tony Laird, Dennis Cash, Men’s 50 Platinum - LAF: Dean Olson, Frank Dean, Wayne Zucker Champions scored no less than 16 runs in six Chris Jones, Grant Bebee; Stanislaus Men’s 65 Platinum - Rose Enterprises: 55 Major - Cal Energy: Rick Cady, Sluggers: Mike Radcliff, Rick Kuchan Jack Doan, Roger Witt, Dave Clover, straight victories, ultimately winning Tony Hinojosa, Brad Drennan, Lyman Men’s 55 Major+ - MTC: Dave Terry O’Donnell, Ken Young MVP the division, 23-7, over Saints Ex- Rose, Dave Munoz, Sonoma County Matusich, Dwayne Brekke, Gary Roger Witt press. Robertson, Glen Shipley, Wayne Doty Crush: Mark Hobak, Joe Kraft For complete scores, bracket Men’s 55 Major - San Antonio 65 Major+ - Omen 65: Ed Carey, Larry results, and All Tournament Player Softball Club: Mickey Rodriguez, Mark Lopez, Roland Bleitz 2013 Winter Nationals lists, please visit the Rock N’ Henson, Ronnie Lang, Donnie Colbath, 65 Major - R&R 65’s: Mike Young Men’s 70 Major - Tallon Wealth Mgmt: Reno Tournament page at www. Rudy Zapata; Scrap Iron Rocky 70 Major+ - Scrap Iron Legacy: James Roger Scott, Chino Blanco, Dick Kanyan, seniorsoftball.com. Mountain Thunder: Michael Mouton, Contreras, Terry Jordan John Ramage, Jim Fein Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News 15

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combatsoftball.com 16 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition Boomers Remodeling to Grow Old at Home By Roger Roemmich $10,000 for renovations will recoup wheelchair use is also common. The Also, an increasing number of neigh- Home Depot loves aging baby the expenses in 14 months just by MetLife report puts costs for full bath- borhoods are falling into a category boomers. Every day contractors load staying at home and paying for limited room remodeling and door widening of housing called “naturally occurring pickup trucks with lumber, drywall, custodial on-site adult daily services. anywhere from $4,300 to $36,200. retirement communities,” or NORCs paint, bathroom tiles, grab bars, grips, Three months in assisted liv- Naturally, costs vary widely based on (it rhymes with fork). bricks, and all kinds of other home ing would likely eat up the $10,000. need and location. A NORC is any geographically remodeling materials in response to With median long-term care costs Many seniors wait too long to defi ned community where 40 percent the increased demand for renovations at $81,030 per year, according to a make renovations because they’re or more of the population is over 60 to make houses more conducive to Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the al- afraid to spend money. The downside and still living in their own homes. aging in place. ternative of aging in place is not only risk is the cost of receiving needed The U.S. Administration on Aging With demographic projections desirable for most seniors, but it’s also custodial and health service outside says 17 percent of seniors live in putting 8.7 million seniors at 85 or cost-effective. the home. Zillow Real Estate Research NORCs, but AARP puts the fi gure as older by 2030, home modifi cations Modifi cations run the gamut from says 21 percent of seniors age 65 to high as 36 percent. NORC residents for aging in place have become big chair lifts to ramps, but removing trip 74 don’t have mortgages. The num- band together to partner with provid- business. The National Association of hazards is the place to spend fi rst. ber drops to 18 percent for seniors ers to receive services at bulk rates, Homebuilders estimates that the mar- Falls account for 75 percent of all ac- between the ages of 74 and 84. In making aging in place less expensive ket for remodeling existing homes to cidental deaths among people over 65, today’s low-interest environment, for individuals. better accommodate aging boomers is and they are the chief cause of forced a home equity loan at a little over 4 Roger Roemmich works as a chief between $20 and $25 billion, or about entry into assisted living or a skilled percent is a viable option to cover the investment offi cer for ROKA Wealth 10 percent of the current $214 billion nursing care facility. renovation expenses. Strategies and lives in Georgia. Roem- home improvement industry. It’s fi nancially sensible to install As for ongoing costs for aging mich recently published his retirement That’s a lot of loot, but it’s well grab bars in bathrooms, modify tile in place, there’s something called assistance guide, “Don’t Eat Dog worth it for seniors who wish to fl oors with non-skid coatings and to the Federal Housing Administration Food When You’re Old.” grow old at home. A MetLife Mature fi t stairways with handrails on both Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Market Institute report, Aging in Place sides. Building walk-in showers with program. It can allow seniors to access 2.0, suggests that a senior putting out seating and widening doors for easier the equity in their homes as income. Texas All Tourney Players Players, Mavericks, Elite, Win in Texas 50 Major-Plus - Texas Players: Mike Cuellar, Brad Rudolph, Corey Gomel, Joey By Beth Hamilton against Houston Fire by a score of Gillaspy, Gene Hensarling Softball News Report 26-14. Then in the 60+ Silver divi- 50/55 Gold - Texas Elite: Perry Penn, HOUSTON – For the second sion, Texas Thunder won when Randy Steve Vinson, Jerry Wilkes, Derek Harris, year in a row, the Houston Sportsplex Smith 60’s of Louisiana forfeited. Mike Raines; Team Blast: Robert Saucedo, hosted the Texas State Champion- Unlike any other bracket, the 65+ Rick Mendoza 50/55 Platinum - Texas Mavericks: Al ships. Weather started perfect but as Gold was based purely on complete Roth, Herb Oliver, Mike Tepera, Bud Weathers the week went on, the heat and humid- round-robin games. Two teams had a 50/55 Silver - Mayhem: Alan Gohlke, ity took a toll on nearly everyone. 5-1 record, with Texas Legends edg- Bill Hancock, Bob Sandlin, Gayland Nor-Tex and Texas Players battled ing the Louisiana Legends in the tie Richardson, Mark Williams; Romo’s Old School: Joe Bernal, Candy Perez in a best-of-three fi nals after a mixed breaker (least runs scored against). 60 Major - Gonzalez Insulation: Billy round robin. Nor-Tex tried to put up a The large round-robin mix of Blake, Ken Morgan, Steve Burris, Julian fi ght but after two close games, Texas Men’s 70/75/80+ divisions split into a Tamez, David Perkins; Houston Fire: Ronnie Orsak, Bill Husta, Brian McLeroy Players took the 50+ Major Plus divi- the title was the Bullets of Texas. Af- series of single-elimination fi nals. sion 24-23 and 19-18. In the 75AAA, Hill Contracting 60 Silver - Texas Thunder: Jerry ter losing early in the bracket, the O’Neill, Mike Ambers, Tim Solis, Gordon Pushing an IF game, Team Arkan- Bullets made their way back to the 75 of Texas beat Harris Auction 75 of Walters, Butch Warden; Randy Smith 60’s: sas proved a point to Texas Mavericks championships. In the end, Texas Elite Arkansas 18-9. Randy Smith, Ricky Latiolais, Harley Shuff 65 Gold - Texas Legends: Steve Smith, in the 50/55+ Platinum Division. had the power to win 20-10. In the 80 Majors, Texas Classics Texas Mavericks, the number one seed 80 defeated the Southwest Stars 18-7 Jim Gibbons, Howdy Melton, Dewayne A battle between the number one Thomas, Randy Jackson; San Antonio Silver going into the championships game, for the title. and two seeds decided the 50/55+ Streaks: Rudy Guzman, Richard Kielholtz lost their championship game 8-7 Silver Division. Mayhem 55 of Okla- And the 70+ Silver Division 70 Silver - Hill Contracting: Ken requiring an IF game. In the end Texas homa, the two seed, made sure Lake champs Hill Contracting 70s beat Brown, Mickey Donahoo, Earl King, Ken McCutchen, Bill Welch Mavericks won 20-15. Charles of Louisiana, the one seed, Texas Greyhounds 21-9. Starting from a third place seeding For complete scores, bracket 75 AAA - Hill Contracting: Jerry Mills, wasn’t going to win. After a close Everett Sims, Rosco Smith, Jim Tinelli, Ed in the bracket, the Texas Elite glided battle, Mayhem 55 won by two runs, results, and All Tournament Bailey their way to the championship game in 10-8. Player lists, please visit the Texas 80 Major - Texas Classics: Henry the 50/55+ Gold Division. Championships Tournament page at Morgan, Eldon Brast, Charles Gamble, Tom In the 60+ Major division, Gon- Godwin, Tom Norman The only other team that wanted zalez Insulation took home the win www.seniorsoftball.com. Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News 17 Atlantic Championships Dodge Rain in VA By Beth Hamilton able,” said Don Brooks, tourna- hold them back, they pushed their Softball News Report ment director. “They made it so way to the championship game, LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – The every field was prepped and ready where they battled Mid Atlantic Atlantic Coast Championships proved to go in a very timely fashion.” Cav’s of Virginia and won 17-9. to be a place to be with 75 teams from Five teams were mixed in the The number one seed, Vacar eight states making it one of the larger round robin to create the 40/50+ Stars of Virginia, lost their second senior softball tournaments east of the Platinum Division. Afterwards bracket game to Jersey Masters Mississippi River. they split into two brackets. In and fell into the 70+ AAA Divi- The rain threatened to stop the one, Hauck Construction of Mary- sion elimination bracket. The tournament on Friday morning, but land and Mid-Atlantic Elite of Vacar Stars weren’t ready to quit, luckily officials were still able to make Virginia battled it out in a best-of- coming back from the loser’s a weekend out of it. three series, with Hauck Construc- bracket to face Jersey Masters “The work the field staff members tion winning 25-24 and 22-13. sylvania in the rain-shortened 55+ again. Forcing an IF game, Vacar did after the rain was very commend- In the other bracket of three teams, Major Division finals. High Street stars won 10-3 and 18-14 for the title. Bryson’s Pub/Veltri/AIA of New Jer- Bucs 55 kept their streak going and In the 70+ Silver division, the sey took out Mid-Atlantic Softball of took the division with a 15-7 win over Syracuse Cyclones 70 of New York Free Beer, TV, Virginia in a close match of 15-14. Tri-State. took out the Boys of Summer of New After random selections of In the rain-shortened 55/60+ Gold Jersey 15-7 and 21-2 to win. In the Good Softball seeding because of a rain out of the Division, Sportsman Shop of Virginia 75+ Major Division, Hamel Builders round-robin games in the 50+ Major emerged from the loser’s bracket to beat Syracuse Cyclones 75s 19-6 and in Omaha Division, two teams emerged for the face the Beltways Bandits 55 of Vir- 21-4 for the division title. OMAHA, NEB. - The annual title game. Team USA of Maryland ginia in the title game. However, in In the Women’s 40+ Masters, the Cornbelt Classic was held here May edged Northeast Storm/Team Combat a close match, Beltway Bandits came number two and three seeds battled 31 through June 1 and with free beer of New York 21-20 for the title. out on top, 20-19. it out in the championship. Chill 40 on Friday night and Saturday, no one In the 50 AAA division, rain also Hamel Builders/Superior of Vir- Below of Maryland defeated Lew’s left thirsty. forced the cancelation of the round ginia, maintained a steady pace in the Crew/Exceeding Expectations of The four new teams in the robin games and resulted in random 65+ Platinum Division. After coming Maryland in the first bracket game, tournament were RECO of Omaha, seeding. Team Elite/CC/Miken of first in the seeding, they made it to 23-16, and in the finals, 16-15, for the Bob Antz Distribution of South Maryland capped its run through the the final game against the High Street title. Dakota, and two Scrap Iron teams, the 9-team bracket by beating THC Finan- Bucs of Maryland. In a very close For complete scores, bracket Diamonds and the Coyotes. cial Group of Pennsylvania 25-24 for match, Hamel Builders kept up the results, and All Tournament Player In addition to some great play on the title. fight and won 15-14. lists, please visit the Atlantic Cham- the field, L.G. Haden, who plays for The High Street Bucs 55 of Spicer Properties 65 of Maryland pionships Tournament page at www. the Scrap Iron Diamonds, a 60AAA Maryland won three games in a row placed last in the seeding after losing seniorsoftball.com. team, won a large screen LCD and landed in the championship game both games in the 65+AAA Division television. The Diamonds finished in a against Tri-State Merchants of Penn- round robin. Determined to not let that three-way tie with Dixon’s of Omaha and Dugout’s out of Kansas for their division. Unfortunately they lost to Dixon on runs allowed tiebreaker. Atlantic Coast All-Tourney Players Selected The 50 AAA division was also Women’s 40 - Chill 40 Below: Heather Moore; Fat Nancy’s: Pat Kelly, Bob Fedrizzi Men’s 65 AAA - Spicer: Joe Lycett, a three-way tie among the Natural’s Pandullo, Debbie Macejka, Laura Grunert, Men’s 55/60 Gold - Beltway Bandits: Ron Miller, John Knott, Jack Ogert, James Holly Hladycz, Cathy Nicodemus; Sportsman Mike Aevermann, Billy Williams, Jeff Ross; Mid-Atlantic Cav’s: Sam Smith, from Missouri, Iowa Demons and A Shop: Cary Outland, Terry Jerman Harrison, Bob Smith, Doug Morris; Syracuse Bobby Krum, Tom McCure; Syracuse & C from Omaha. The Demon’s won Men’s 50 Major+ - Mid-Atlantic: Tim Merchants: Butch Sweeney, Jim Mclauglin Cyclones: Joe Brown, Steve Gelsey the division by tie breaker. Sadler, Ed James, Dan Martine Men’s 60 AAA - Hannington’s 60: Men’s 70 AAA - Vacar Stars: Al The KC Classics and the Outlaws Men’s 50 Major - Team USA: Wayman Lee, Kenneth Day, Joseph Frongello, Avant, Jim Presley, Terry Peters, Frank Shotwell, Ron Milam; Jersey Masters: Blace 50 major played for the division Daryl Shamble, Steve Dunlap, Devin Lutz, Kevin Lipsett, Marvin Sims; Hamel 60’s: Ron Wilson, Jeff Frey; Northeast Storm: Ralph Hamlin, Eric Johnson, Rob Joyner; Kopala, John Forames, Bill Hankins; Monkey championship. The Outlaws saved Leon Curiel, Dave Norval, Ron Hargrove; Steel Dawgs: Ron Zankey, Earry Bothwell Joe’s: Frank Gordon, Jim Harris their best game for the end and won BH Maintenance: Cam Duggan, Scott Men’s 60 AA - Syracuse Cyclones: Men’s 70 AA - Syracuse Cyclones: the division in the last game. Luckenbaugh Steve Tompkins, Paul Lapan, Roger Merritt, Gene Signor, Gary Hoover, Andy Endsley, Doc The KC Renegades and Integrity Men’s 50 AAA - Team Elite/Miken: Joe Versace, Jim Ranucci Ohler, Mike Richmond; Boys of Summer: Ray Jones, Sam Manns, Barry Lynn, Randy Men’s 65 Platinum - Hamel Builders: Mike McLaughlin, Charlie Lehman, Pete Builders of Omaha battled for yet Lott, Jim Gallagher; THC Financial Group: Andrew Smith, Phil Biedronski, Tommy DeRosa another championship. This time Greg Donophan, Denny Russo, Bruce Davis Dommel, Danny Ballard, John Davide: Men’s 75 Major - Hamel Builders: Integrity came out on top. Men’s 55 Major - High Street: Bobby Hawks Nest: Ron Coligan, John Hillgrove Bill Nalley, Bill Bahnmaier, Ray Winner, Next year’s tournament is May Coleman, Baer Chandler, Mark Frastak, Men’s 65 Major - High Street Bucs: Frank Carlman, Richard Sherman; Syracuse Cyclones: Ted Sniffen, Mike Fitzgerald, Rich 30-31, according to Gary Kruse, Gerry George, Anthony Allen; Tri- State Mike Seraphin, Bill Macuch, Pat Carey, Mike Merchants: Pat Daley, James Terry, John Shriner, Jimmy Boone Poliquin Cornbelt Classic director. 18 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition Teams from 6 States, Canada Compete in Northwest By Joseph Ruggiero 55s 14-13, Cascade Thunder went on to win two Softball News Report consecutive games against Vancouver 55s by 17-11 PORTLAND – The 9th annual Jim Sherman and 17-13 to take the “If” game and seal the divi- Memorial Northwest Championships returned here sion title. to test the talent and resolve of Northwest’s senior Three evenly matched teams faced off in the 60 players. With 43 teams competing, nine more than AA Division. Stagecoach rebounded after a close last year and doubling the participation of the 2012 first round loss 14-15 to Vancouver 60. In a close tournament, the Northwest Championships showed 2nd round rematch, Stagecoach beat Vancouver 60s that senior players were eager to play ball despite 21-20 in a nail-biter of a game. Stagecoach went on lackluster weather conditions. to beat Northwest Silver two times 18-14 and 21-16 Teams gathered from Alaska, California, Idaho, to take the division championship. Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Canada to spar at The 60 Gold division showcased an impressive the beautiful William B. Owens Softball Complex MBA Elites squad. Holding all opponents to less June 24-29. Despite the loss, Flatliners took the 50 Major cham- than 10 runs per game, they thoroughly dominated Though the rainy weather shortened some of the pionships because they were the top-finishing 50 the division. first session play, co-director Ron Grasse, applauded Major team and Goodman Racing won the 55 Major Last Call lost to MBA Elite 18-4 in the finals, the players’ persistence and professionalism as they championship. however, both teams were winners, with MBA Elite played through the rain and drenched fields. Grasse The 50 AAA division tested the strength of nabbing the 60 Major championship and Last Call noted that “the rain was a disaster, but the field guys 1st seed Dead Sailors and showcased an exciting taking the 60-AAA title. did a fabulous job. They must have used over a 100 comeback from 3rd seed Michael’s Toyota. Losing to The Men’s 65 Platinum division, along with bags [of field-dry compound] to keep the fields dry”. Dead Sailors 20-16, Michael’s Toyota fell into the the 65 AA division and 65/70 Gold division, were The tournament’s division competition was elimination bracket only to face Dead Sailors again shortened due to rain outs. For complete game re- close, producing several one-run wins. Co-director in the semifinals after beating Alaska Kings 14 -12. sults, please visit the Northwest Championships Doug Robbins stated that the second session “was In a close semifinal game, Michael’s Toyota narrow- tournament page at www.seniorsoftball.com. exciting because the divisions were pretty bal- ly defeated Dead Sailors 19-18 compelling an “If” anced.” Of the four “If” games, two teams fought game. Not undone by the loss, Dead Sailors earned their way through the elimination bracket to win the division championship by beating Michael’s 10,000 Lakes teams their division. Toyota 18-13. The 40 Masters Division illustrated Robbin’s In the 55/60 Platinum division, top-seeded Battle Rain (Naturally) account of the tournament as top seed Team Combat Wolfpack outperformed the competition with two Softball News Report lost to second seed Hara’s Dynasty 36-13 at their sound wins. After beating Timberworks 13-9, Wolf- ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Rochester 10,000 rd first meeting. After beating All Mayhem handedly pack faced 3 seed Four Seasons and came out on Lakes Classic was held June 21-22. Twenty-three 24-8, Team Combat then rallied their way out of the top 19-17 to take the division championship. teams braved the rain, as usual, to play. elimination bracket to double-dip Hara Dynasty 19- Wilson and Sons Auto dominated the 50/55 “Rochester received heavy downfalls of rain 16 and 21-20 to take the division championship. Silver division and took home the championship. for six consecutive days before finally letting up The 50/55 Platinum division featured thrill- However, Vancouver 50 showed great resolve after on Thursday night. By Saturday the fields were ing competition as Goodman Racing eked out two losing to X-Men 19-7 only to triumph in the their in perfect shape,” said Tournament Director Scott close wins against Cornerstone 22-21 and then So. rematch against X-Men18-17 to receive a shot at Sanford. Oregon Flatliners 21-20 to make it the semifinals. Wilson Auto in the semifinals. In an offensive rout, Pope Transport defeated the Minnesota Mer- Undaunted by their first loss, Flatliners went on Wilson Auto defeated Vancouver 50s 27-19. chants 26-16 to win the 50 Gold Division. to beat Cornerstone 17-15 only to face Goodman With only two teams in the 55 AA Division, Tasty Pizza 55 moved through the 55/60 Plati- Racing again in the finals. Goodman Racing proved Vancouver 55 and Cascade Thunder played some num Division with ease, defeating Minnesota Mas- their mettle 15-9 decisively ending Flatliners run. exhilarating ball. After barely losing to Vancouver ters/White 22-11 in the finals. The 50/55 Silver Division was comprised of five teams playing round robins. Milwaukee Merchants Northwest All-Tourney Players Selected went on to win three of their four games with scores 40 Masters - Team Combat 40: Danny Clemans, Pat 60 Gold - MDA Elite 60: Frank Catomerisios, David 20-13, 14-11 and 24-13 to take the title. Paschal, Ryan Epp, Jeremy Guillroy, Adam Russell; All State Gonzales, Larry Younger, Dave Donnan, George Robinson In the 60/65+ Gold Division, Minnesota Masters/ Mayhem: Virgil Archibeque, Todd Ray 60 AA - Stagecoach Saloon: Dennis York, Tom Brown, 50 AAA - Dead Sailors: Phil Basham, Nick Rogich, Jim Ken Rueck, John Hyde, Rick Nikkila Ancell and Wisconsin Masters finished with 2-1 Perry, Jeff Small, Sean Simmonds 65 Platinum - Enviro Vac 65: Ross Evison, Wayne records. In a head-to-head competition, Minnesota 50/55 Silver - Wilson & Sons Auto: Ric Fix, Fred Goode, Meek, Jim Heintz, Jim Klassen, Trevors Bjurman; Masters Masters/Ancell defeated Wisconsin Masters 24-18 Randy Mansell, Terry DeMoss, Mike Wilson Marauders: Jim Palombi, Craig Barraclough, Ev Homles for the title. 55 AA - Cascade Thunder: Rod Garrison, Karl 65AA - Sunlight Supply: Larry Noble, Rick Harrington, Johannsen, Brian Frazier, Gerald Itkin, Woody Statler Les Gipe In the 60/65 Silver Division, the largest division, 55/60 Platinum - Goodman Racing: Rick Littlejohn, 65/70 Gold - Last Call: Jim Scanlan, Doug Doolittle, six teams played a round-robin format, with Min- Marlin Harris, Scott Riley, Lenny Hover, Reggie Bonn; Dean Wickizer, Mark Olsen, Gary Landaburu; Bonaventure nesota Masters 65’s winning the title by virtue of Southern Oregon Flatliners: Mike Slevenski, Barney Lewis, Sr Living/CE Johns: Jim Jackson, Doug Blatchford, John their 18-15 win earlier in the round robin against Ron Staniforth Jr Aarhus; Sacramento Islanders: Sid Spencer, Bruce Gilmore Oshkosh Ambassadors. Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News 19 Northeast Champs Grows 30% in 2014 By Joseph Ruggiero all six teams stayed alive going into overwhelming Jersey Masters 26-9. Softball News Report Sunday play.” Tri-State Merchants 55 In a thrilling championship game, SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The North- proved triumphant however, as the Rochester Merchants barely overcame east Championships returned here to undefeated team delivered a fatal blow Hannington 15-14. play ball at the magnificent Hopkins to Fat Nancy’s in their first match The 55/60 AA division saw Roc Road Park Softball Complex from 22-17. Determined to win, Fat Nan- City 55 doing their best to upset July 11 to July 16. cy’s clawed their way up the loser’s Talaga Construction. In a close first Forty-three teams attended the bracket by overcoming Action Auto contest, Talaga Construction pulled tournament, a 30 percent increase 22-20 to repeat a close face-off with through defeating Roc City 14-9. from the previous year, hailing Tri-State Merchants. Tri-State Mer- Despite the loss, Roc City persevered from all over the Northeast includ- chants managed a 14-10 win to take 22-16 over formidable opponent, ing Canada, Connecticut, Delaware, the division title. Syracuse Cyclones, to get a shot at Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, The 55/60 Gold Division also pro- the championship. Despite their best New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and vided some close, inspiring gameplay. efforts, Roc City lost 14-9 and Talaga Rhode Island. Deep Purple defeated Roadhouse with Construction seized the division title. Co-director, Chuck Sharkee, in the 50 Platinum division, Rochester ease in the first round 10-2 and went Rochester Classics and Brantford remarked that “he and the teams were 50’s took the competition by surprise. on to achieve a well-earned victory Nissan Seniors played some respect- impressed with the complex, which Handily defeating Sportscenter 18- against Team Deluxe 14-11. Mean- able ball in the 65 Gold division. After held up despite the rain.” Sharkee 12 and prevailing against Elmwood while, top-seed Syracuse Merchants losing to Brantford 19-8, Rochester added that he was glad to see that 15-14, Rochester 50’s went on to face after losing a well-matched game Classic came back to narrowly defeat three Canadian teams including Sportscenter again in the champion- against Team Deluxe 13-11 managed Brantford 19-18. Forcing a compelling Durham Silver Stix, Stefco Silver Stix ship game. In a fantastic offensive to win consecutive games in the elimi- “If” game, Brantford Nissan showed and Brantford Nissan Seniors chose to display, Rochester 50’s came out on nation bracket, defeating Roadhouse their true grit winning 11-9 to earn the compete. top beating Sportscenter 26-20 to gain 11-8 and narrowly surviving Team championship. Sharkee commented that overall the division title. Deluxe 22-21. Unable to keep up their In the 65/70 Silver division, “the tournament hosted a highly com- In the 50 AAA division, Elite momentum, Syracuse Merchants fell Hannington’s of Massachusetts looked petitive group of teams with of a lot of Miken easily fought their way to to Deep Purple 22-6 in the champion- to be the dominant contender at the close scores.” the division title. Facing some stiff ship game. Deep Purple came away start of the tournament. Disposing of The tournament also garnered the competition from Custom Logo in the with the 55 AAA championship, while the Syracuse Cyclones 11-7 and the attention of local Channel 9 News first round, Elite Miken came out with Syracuse Merchants earned the 60 Jersey Masters 16-9, they seemed on the first day of play. Several team a 16-10 win. Elite Miken dispatched Major championship. poised to gain the title. However, the members of the Back Office Associ- their next opponent with swift confi- Eight teams competed in the 60 Syracuse Cyclones remained level- ates were interviewed, along with dence defeating K&B Construction AAA division with Hannington and headed despite their first loss, muster- several umpires. Sharkee explained 22-8 and 20-3. Rochester Merchants/Smash It vy- ing impressive consecutive wins over that the reporters were impressed that The 55 Major division showcased ing for supremacy. After losing to Brookhouse 19-11, Jersey Masters players at that age were still compet- an exciting and competitive set of Rochester Merchants/Smash It 19-7, 19-13 and Hannington’s 17-16 in a ing including an 84 year-old player. teams. Director Sharkee commented Hannington swiftly climbed their close semifinal game. The only team With only three teams facing off that “it was an impressive bracket as way up the elimination bracket by to double dip in the tournament, the Syracuse Cyclones, with a strong of- fensive resurgence, defeated Hanning- Northeast All Tournament Players Selected ton’s 21-11 to take the division title. 50 Platinum – Rochester 50/Bob Tony Masciotra; Sports Center: Kevin Syracuse Cyclones: Tom Maroney, Tom With only two teams in the 75 Johnson Chevrolet: Tom Mastrodonato, Hayes, Steve Deschene, Robert Lee, Keith Mirande AAA division, the Back Office As- Dave Wallace, John Fitzgerald, Earl Blackmon, Worthy 60 AAA - Rochester Merchants: Bob sociates and Syracuse Cyclones kept it 50AAA - Team Elite/CC/Miken: Pops Cooper, Fred Lohrman, Noe Gonzalez, Khalid interesting. In the first round, Syracuse Fleisch, Danny Piper, Daryl Billings, Sam Abdus Salaam, Jr Twist; Hannington’s: Cyclones barely defeated Back Office Cardiac Rehab Covered Manns Sr, Brian Weiman; Custom Logo: Marvin Sims, Joseph Frongello, Thomas 17-16. Emboldened by the narrow The AARP Bulletin reports that Brian Banic, Randy Stedman Tashea; Jersey Masters: Ed Kushner, Mike 55 Major - Tri-State Merchants: James Santo loss, Back Office came back to upset Medicare has announced it will cover Cain, Paul Hale, Pat Daley, Sonny Davis, John 65 Gold - Brantford Nissan: Jim Syracuse Cyclones 23-11. In a ter- cardiac rehab for some patients who Moore; Action Auto Parts: David Muscatelli, Banyard, Phil Riley, Tom Gorman, Terry Keys, rific championship bout, Back Office suffer from stable but chronic heart Bill Laflamme Brian Kernaghan rallied a knock out championship win failure, a costly, debilitating condition 55/60 Gold - Deep Purple Advantage: 65/70 Silver - Jersey Masters 70: Chris Flynn, George Hamilton, Bill Bertrand, defeating Syracuse Cyclones 18-14. that could be improved with super- William Codner, Robert Sachs Mike Carroll, Mike Faria 75 AAA - Back Office Associates: James For complete game results, please vised exercise and counseling. Heart 55/60 AA - Talaga Construction: VanBaaley, Chris Sweeney, Stu Winston, Jim visit Senior Softball USA’s Northeast failure is the most common reason Dave Kuchinsky, Mike Alpert, Tim O’Neil, Parmelee, Mike Sullivan; Syracuse Cyclones: Championships’ tournament page at: Medicare beneficiaries end up in the Paul Frenette, Ken Bavier; Roc City: Steve Ben Dorsey, Harold White, Al Sheridan www.seniorsoftball.com. hospital. Keating, Jim Monnat, Gary Rothenberg; 20 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition Social Security: Best Time to Start Benefits? Continued from Page 1 perfect world, you want to be able to up for Social Security benefits? information on how your state applies make your decision on when to start A. You can apply for Social Secu- the reduction. cial Security on the softball diamond, receiving benefits based on what you rity retirement benefits when you are Q. Can I change the date I receive you’ll likely hear one of two questions have put away for retirement and what at least 61 years and 9 months of age my benefits? being considered: other sources of income you will have, and want your benefits to start when A. No. If you were receiving or Will it be there when I am finally such as a pension. you hit age 62. Even if you are not applied for Social Security benefits eligible for benefits? For example, suppose you are age ready to retire, you still should sign up on or before April 30, 1997, or if When should I start taking Social 62 and qualify to get $1,200 a month. for Medicare three months before your you receive both Social Security and Security, age 62, 65 or 67? If you wait until age 66, that will rise 65th birthday. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Clearly, there’s no easy answer to about $1,600 a month, an increase Q. What is the most I can get from you receive your benefit on the third to either question, but let’s start with of 33 percent. And if you wait until Social Security? of the month. If you receive only SSI, what’s known about the first one. age 70, you’ll be able to draw slightly A. The maximum benefit depends you get your benefit on the first of the Social Security originated in 1935 more than $2,100 a month. on the age you retire. For example, month. as a benefits program to financially -as Financial experts also note that if if you retire at full retirement age If you applied for Social Security sist those in retirement, but now also you plan to claim benefits based on in 2014, your maximum benefit would benefits after April 30, 1997, the birth- includes such wide-ranging programs your spouse’s earnings, you’ll lose be $2,642. However, if you retire at day of the person on whose record as Medicare and Social Security Dis- even more by not waiting until you age 62 in 2014, your maximum benefit you receive benefits determines your ability Insurance (SSDI). are 66. There are many, many factors would be $1,992. If you retire at age payment date: Social Security public affairs to consider and it makes a lot sense to 70 in 2014, your maximum benefit specialist Deogracias Santos explains sit down with an expert and carefully would be $3,425. Date of Birth Payment Day that “Social Security taxes collected plan well before you begin to take Q. What is the average monthly 1 through 10 Second Wednesday from today’s workers pay the benefits your benefits. benefit for a retired worker? 11 through 20 Third Wednesday of today’s retirees. The current payout Social Security officials say that A. The average monthly Social After 20 Fourth Wednesday of Social Security benefits in excess “since every applicant’s situation is Security retirement benefit for January of taxes will not have any impact on different, the best filing date varies as 2014 was $1,294. The amount changes Q. Do I have to pay federal in- Social Security benefit payments for well.” The online Benefits Planner at monthly. come tax on Social Security? many years. SSA.gov contains a retirement plan- Q. Can I get Social Security retire- A. You have to pay taxes on your “Current trust fund reserves, along ner, disability planner and survivors ment benefits and military retirement Social Security benefits if you file as with future taxes, are expected to be planner. Each has valuable informa- benefits? an individual and your total income is sufficient for the full and timely pay- tion about these benefits and factors A. You can get both Social Secu- more than $25,000. And you have to ment of benefits until 2033.” that can affect them. rity retirement benefits and military pay taxes if you and your spouse have In addition, the Social Security A final note on this: While you retirement. Generally, there is no more than $32,000 in total income. and Medicare Boards of Trustees note can start getting Social Security ben- reduction of Social Security benefits You can use the Internal Revenue that under current conditions SSDI efits at age 62, Medicare doesn’t kick because of your military benefits. Service Notice 703 shown on the back will run out of money in 2016, while in until age 65 so you might have to Q. Will unemployment benefits of the Social Security Benefit State- Medicare’s projected date of depletion pay for private health insurance if you affect my Social Security benefits? ment, SSA Form 1099, to determine if is 2030. retire early on Social Security – and A. Unemployment benefits are not any of your benefits may be taxable. Most politicians and financial that can be costly. earnings for Social Security purposes Jack Sirard is a nationally syn- experts say that’s not going to happen and do not affect your Social Security dicated business writer and a senior and that eventually legislation will Here are some other interesting retirement benefits. However, income writer for Senior Softball News. be passed to rectify the situation. But questions and answers from the Social from Social Security may reduce your there could be drastic changes, either Security Administration: unemployment compensation. Contact Next: Why the first year of re- in the tax rate or the age of eligibility Q. What’s the biggest misconcep- your state unemployment office for tirement is so costly. or both. tion about Social Security? In its annual report, the Social A. One common misconception is Security trustees say that “lawmakers that filing an application is a lengthy should address the financial challeng- process. 2nd Gila Monster Draws Teams es facing Social Security and Medi- Applying for retirement benefits care as soon as possible. Taking action takes as little as 15 minutes and can sooner rather than later will leave be done at a convenient time from the From Texas, New Mexico more options and more time available comfort of your home or office. Ap- Softball News Report an IF game against Down & Dirty of to phase in changes so that the public plying for Medicare takes only about SILVER CITY, N.M. – The GILA New Mexico 28-20. In the end, Down has adequate time to prepare.” 10 minutes. Monster tournament took place June & Dirty won 26-20. New Mexico The question of when to start The Retirement Estimator al- 17-18 at Scott Park which is a 100 Boomers took third. taking your benefits is a lot less black lows people to get an immediate and percent artificial turfed field. Thirteen In the 55+ division, Desperados of and white. personalized estimate of their future teams came to Silver City from Texas New Mexico defeated Old School 55’s Most financial planners recom- retirement benefits based on their and New Mexico. from Texas for the championship 9-8. mend delaying taking it as long as actual Social Security earnings record. possible but many workers are excited Silver City is located in the foot- Diamond Cats of New Mexico took The online statement provides safe third. about the chances of finally getting an and convenient access to earnings and hills of GILA National Forest at an early and regular monthly paycheck benefit information. Workers age 18 elevation of 6000+ with temperatures Tournament Director Laurinda from the government as soon as pos- and older can get their Social Security in the mid-80s. Wright and the Town of Silver City sible. The format was pool play into would like to thank all teams for mak- Statements online by creating “My nd Clearly the longer an individual Social Security” account, which can double elimination brackets. ing the 2 annual tournament pos- can delay taking benefits, the more be done in a few minutes. Eight teams competed in the 50+ sible. money he or she will receive. In a Q. How far in advance can I sign division where Texas Softball forced Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News Do You Consider Your Financial Future A Home Run? Turn To Someone You Know For Help.

Since 1986, Tim Sellner has been helping his Prudential customers with the same integrity and customer service that you have come to know from Tanel 360. He and Andy Groebner, both of whom you’ve seen at the ball fields for years, are financial professionals available and excited to help you.

Regardless of where you are in your life journey, there are many different ways they can help you. Whether you are curious if you can retire, unsure about when to draw Social Security, looking for tax minimizing strategies, need help distributing your IRA or trying to protect your wealth for future generations, they are available to help.

Tim Sellner, CLU, ChFC Andy Groebner Call them today so they can worry about the Financial Professional Financial Professional Associate important things and you can worry about your (612) 670-9240 (952) 200-9266 next at bat. [email protected] [email protected]

INVESTMENTS I INSURANCE I RETIREMENT

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Visit Tanel360.com for all your Tanel 360˚ softball gear! 22 Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition US Seniors Lose in London, Win in Paris Softball News Report Three Senior Softball-USA teams faced off against three strong British teams in London and played French and German teams in Paris with widely divergent results in June. At the Masters Games in Lon- don, the British teams defeated the Americans handily at their new softball complex – one of the few in England – at Farnham Park. The British teams, mostly in the 20s and 30s, used the London Games as a tune-up for the Euro- Bill Allen's Indy Fog won two Wolrd pean Championships. Championships. “They run like deer, hit with power – and really play the game well,” said Bill Ruth, manager of one of the USA teams, whose play- ers ranged from the late 50s to 80 years old. It was a different story in the Paris Games, where the USA teams faced less experienced French players and an older German team. The German team, which has played International tournaments Photos by Susan Kroeber against the Americans in a number Bobby Davis of the USA Red Team launches a long ball during the Masters Games in London in June. of countries, lost players because of travel difficulties and split up to and died en route. The couple had MVP was Bob Sachs of New Jer- play with the Americans in the last been married 57 years. sey, Best Offense was Bobby Davis set of games. “Our heartfelt condolences go of Florida and Beast Defense was The Americans came in 4th, 5th out to Ted and his family in this Angie Scarcella of Massachusetts., and 6th place in London and 1st, 2nd tragedy,” said Susan Ruth, director Honorable Mention was Eileen and 3rd in Paris. of International Sports Holidays, Codner of New Jersey. The 25th Senior Softball-USA which runs the tour. “Our players The USA White team, man- International Tour, from June 17- and their families were devastated aged by Bill Ruth, took third place 30, also visited the D-Day beaches by the loss.” in Paris and sixth place in London. in Normandy during the goodwill The USA Blue team, managed MVP was Roger Kroeber of Cali- games designed to promote senior by Susan Ruth, took first place in fornia, Best Offense was Roger softball throughout the world. Paris and fifth place in London. Trujillo of California, and Best “The real purpose of these MVP was Roy Ambrose of Illinois, Defense was Larry Herickhoff of games – and the tours – is to pro- John Fournier waits for throw Best Offense was Mike Perua of Minnesota, Honorable Mention mote softball and goodwill … and in the USA Blue game against Illinois and Best Defense was John was Julie Bruns. that was an outstanding success,” Great Britain. Fournier of California, Honor- SSUSA will be playing a tour- said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA’s able Mention was Larry Feeler of nament in Japan in November and chief executive officer. Mona Alarcon, the wife of Texas. New Zealand in March, 2015. The tour suffered a tragedy on Reno player Ted Alarcon, was The USA Red Team, managed For more information, please the ferry from Dover, England, to stricken with an apparent heart at- by Hennessy, took second place in contact Susan Ruth at susan@ Calais, France, however. tack shortly after the ferry departed Paris and fourth place in London. weruth.com, or call 206-930-7091. Summer 2014 Edition Senior Softball News Discover the Magic of New Zealand March 26 - April 7, 2015 vCruise to Walter Peak Sheep Station

vVisit Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve

vExplore Queenstown

vPlay Softball Tournaments in Auckland & ChristChurch

Deadline Fast Approaching, Contact Susan Ruth, International Sports Holiday Director: 206-930-7091 or [email protected] Senior Softball News Summer 2014 Edition